Re-ignitable match



3,321,342 RE-IGNITABLE MATCH John Burton Tigrett, Tigrett Place, Jackson, Tenn. 38301, and Voorhis F. Wigal, Jackson, Tenn.; said Wigal assignor to said Tigrett N Drawing. Filed Mar. f5, 1965, Ser. No. 439,947 Claims. (Cl. l49-19) This invention relates to ignitable match compositions and, more particularly, to a match which is adapted for repeated ignition and extinguishment.

Heretofore various efforts had been made to develop a re-ignitable match capable of'reliable day-to-day usage, which, in addition to being merely adapted for repeated ignition and extinguishment, also possesses certain properties critical to practical usage, which properties, to the present time, have not been comprehended within matches of this type. With all prior constructions there have been consistent disadvantages and deficiencies of various character causing such matches to fail to be accepted for widespread general use, such as, vfor example, erratic, rapid, and/or violent burning, ejection of hot particles, flaring, development of hot ash, malodor, difiiculties in ignition, as well as in extinguishment, short effective life as through inadvertent loss by escape of vital ingredients, among others. Before this invention a re-ignitable match having all of the necessary characteristics to render same amenable to general use had not been produced.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a re-ignitable match which is uniquely endowed with the totality of properties and characteristics requisite to render same practical and fully utilitarian, being peculiarly adapted for ready ignition, for ease of extinguishment as by a strong puff of air, for even, steady, moderate burning without creation of hot particles, heavy ash, etc. for relative longevity allowing for continued usage beyond periods heretofore deemed attainable without diminution in its operational capability.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a re-ignitable match of the type stated which may be most economically produced, the procedural steps therefor being capable of execution with marked facility so that the match is amendable to rapid, lL gh volume production.

It is a still further object of the present invention to provide a re-ignitable match of the character stated which incorporates a novel combination of ingredients adapted for inter-reaction, promoting simplicity in production and reliability and consistency in usage.

With the above noted objects in view, our invention resides in the novel compositions of re-ignitable matches, in novel methods and processes, presently described and pointed out in the claims.

The re-ignitable match of the present invention is, desirably, of stick form constructed from a homogeneous plastic, friction-igniting mass which includes in intimate admixture, an oxygen supplying substance, that is, one readily yielding oxygen, an oxygen release catalyst, at low burning velocity or combustion rate modifying agent, a binding agent (which latter two might be provided by a single compound), a solvating agent, and a group of flamecontrolling agents.

The oxygen supplying substance, or what might also be considered an initial igniter, is from the class comprising chlorates, perchlorates, mixtures of chlorates and perchlorates, nitrates, bromates, bichromates and like well known salts, being preferably metal salts, as sodium, potassium, etc., but which may also be organic salts. The oxygen release catalyst serving to accelerate the breakdown or decomposition of the oxygen supplying substances to thereby promote and support the combustion may be Patented May 23, 196'? manganese dioxide, calcium plumbate, antimony trisulfide, lead dioxide, or copper chromite.

The agent of relatively low burning characteristic, being combustible but having a cooling effect for modifying the rate of combustion as well as supressing the inherent violence of the oxygen supplying substance, is preferably a powdered, dry polymer of a thermoplastic compound capable, upon burning, of depolymerizing into a liquid monomer. It has been found that the acrylic resins provide such compounds and especially polymethyl methacrylate. As such compounds depolymerize into the liquid monomeric state, the same absorb heat and thus moderate violence of the decomposition of the oxygen supplying substance. Thus, the resultant monomer provides a fuel for feeding the combustion. Burning of the monomer conduces to the development of a smooth, candle-like flame as distin' guished from the erratic sputtering type flames heretofore encountered in matches intended for re-ignition.

The acrylic resins so utilized and their combustion rate modifying properties also possess binding characteristics whereby the same may concurrently serve both as a binding agent as well as to conduce low burning velocity. These resins uniquely provide distinct properties for maintaining the match ingredients in integrated state as Well as to materially assist in and promote combustion.

In order to effect the binding action of the acrylic resin, such as polymethyl methacrylate, a solvating agent for the individual particles thereof is required. It has been found that any of the well known acrylic resin solvents may be utilized such as, for instance, the aliphatic ketones, including straight chain and branched, as well as the chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents which include, for example only, methylethyl ketone, methylisobutyl ketone, methylene chloride, ethylene dichloride, chloroform, trichlorethane, tetrachlorethane, dichlorobenzene, and perchlorethylene, as well as any combinations of such solvating agents, the same being peculiarly adapted to activate the binding agent for bringing about adhesion between same and the other match components all of which are initially presented in dry condition. By the use of solvating agents of the said type a homogeneous solid mass or body is provided which intimately incorporates all of the match constituents and which thereby renders such mass amendable to suitable forming operations such as for extrusion into cylinders of predetermined length. If it is desired to utilize an independent burning velocity agent together with a binding agent which latter may or may not possess combustion rate modifying properties such as the acrylic resins, a compound which has been particularly suitable is polyoxymethylene. Various polymers of aldehydes, such as, particularly, metaldehydes, have been used heretofore for combustion rate modifying purposes in view of the low burning velocity properties of such compounds. However, the same have provided somewhat deficient in practice and these inadequacies have been overcome by use of polyoxymethylene. Thus, with this particular compound the volatility, malodor, and toxicity long accepted as necessary drawbacks are avoided.

In addition to the above described constituents, certain other types of components have been discovered to be critical for providing an ultimate match having the re quisite characteristics for reliable usage. In essence, these components synergistically coact for flame-control during lighting, burning, and extinguishment so that there will be prevented the ejection of hot particles, violence of burning, the development of hot ash, erratic flashing, etc., all of which have proved to be characteristic of so-called reignitable matches heretofore known. Thus, these critical components serve to assure of combustion control, causing a qualifying or moderating effect upon the release of oxygen by the oxygen supply substance or substances.

This group of novel components fall within three broad to classes, namely, activators, oxidizables or reducing agents, and quenching agents. The activators may be stated to have a mass effect in that the same are substantially inert but do serve to absorb calories and thereby promote combustion control. Activators which have been found particularly useful are ammonium dichromate, finely divided silica, and carbonates, such as of magnesium, calcium, and the like. It will be noted that when subjected to burning, these substances will appear to cause a dissipating effect upon the concentration of the flame developed.

Within the group of oxidizables or reducing agents, the following are most effective: powdered carbon, polysaccharides, as for instance, ordinary corn starch and salts of benzoic acid. These agents tend to act as receptors for oxygen, burning relatively smoothly and thus exercising a necessary moderation of the match combustion.

Within the category of quenching agents there may be compounds capable of producing, through break-down, a non-combustible gas so that a suffocating, as it were, environment or atmosphere is created for thereby effecting a braking action upon the match combustion. There are numerous compounds which have the desired quality but it has been found that various ammonium salts of organic acids, whether of straight chain or ring character, are particularly suitable, such as for example, ammonium benzoate, which thus break down to allow ammonia to be released which will effect a quenching or dampening effect upon the burning.

It has, however, been further discovered that the concur-rent utilization of an activattor, an oxidizable, and a quenching agent of the types hereinabove set forth produce a combustion-controlling effect which markedly exceeds that to be expected from the mere addition of. each such type of agent. The three such ingredients bring about a synergistic effect resulting in the development of match burning qualities not hitherto attained despite the myriad efforts undertaken in this field.

Thus, matches incorporating the above described compounds have a steady, even burning and upon striking readily produce a flame without sparking, flashing, or the like, and with such even burning the flame being easily extinguished with minimal effort, corresponding to that necessary for extinguishing an ordinary safety match.

A general formulation for a match formed in accordance with the present invention is as follows:

Compound type: Parts by weight, approx. 2 3

Oxygen supplying substance As shown below the solvating agent evaporates during match production and thus does not constitute a part of the ultimate finished match. From the foregoing it is evident that the binder and the oxygen supplying substance provide the major portion of the bulk of the match. In the event a single compound, such as an acrylic resin, is to be used for both a binder and as the low burning velocity agent, the same would constitute approximately 2.5 parts by weight of the match. With respect to the flame controlling agents it will be noted that the same are utilized within a relatively prescribed range. In this connection it is to be observed that since these agents synergistically inter-react the relative proportions of the same in any one particular formulation may vary depending upon the precise agents of each type incorporated.

In following the general formulation above set forth, it is clear that a wide selection of components are available for production of the unique match of this invention. However, the following should serve to exemplify an effective formulation:

4 Compound type: Parts by weight Potassium chlorate 2.3 Manganese dioxide .25 Polyoxymethylene .25 Polymethyl methacrylate 2.25 Methyl ethyl ketone 1 1.0 Finely divided silica .2 Corn starch .2 Ammonium dichromate .2

As shown below the solvating agent evaporates during match production and thus does not constitute a part of the ultimate finished match.

In order to produce a match in accordance with the above a relatively simple procedure need be followed, being one which is most expeditiously and economically executed. The various ingredients, other than the solvating agent, are dispensed in dry powder form upon a suitable support surface. The solvating agent is discharged onto the powdered ingredients which latter are then subjected to agitation, as by mechanical means, for bringing about a homogeneous distribution of the solvating agent within the powdered mass, thereby activating the individual particles of the binder. By conventional means physical densification of the mass is caused to effect the creation of a plastic mass. The now-formed mass will continue to become increasingly hard as the solvating agent evaporates. Such forming means may shape the mass as into elongated stick form, as of circular cross section, which shape may then be subjected to a cutting action for severance into lengths suitable for facile use.

In addition to the foregoing, there may be added to the above formulation a fragrance such as menthol, mint odors, anthranilates, and the like for providing pleasing, as well as fresh, odors upon ignition of the match. Also, agents for suppressing the after-glow may be incorporated and in this category boric acid has been found especially suitable. These ingredients may be added within the range of approximately .1 to .15 part by weight.

It should be understood that changes and modifications in the formation, construction, arrangement and combination of the parts of the re-ignitable match may be made and substituted for those herein shown and disclosed without departing from the nature and principle of our invention.

Having thus described our invention, what we claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A re-ignitable match consisting essentially of an oxygen supplying substance from the class consisting of chlorates, perchlorates, mixtures of chlorates and perchlorates, nitrates, bromates, and bichromates, an oxygen release catalyst from the class consisting of manganese dioxide, calcium plumbate, antimony trisulfide, lead dioxide, and copper chromite, an agent having low burning velocity and binding characteristics from the class consisting of acrylic resins, an activator from the class consisting of ammonium dichromate, finely divided silica, and inorganic carbonates, a reducing agent from the class consisting of powdered carbon, polysaccharides, and benzoates, and a quenching agent from the class consisting of ammonium salts of organic acids.

2. A re-ignitable match consisting of the following material:

Material:

Parts by weight, approx.

Material Parts by weight, approx.

zoates .15 to .30 A quenching agent from the class consisting of ammonium salts of organic acids .15 to .30

3. A re-ignitable match consisting essentially of an oxygen supplying substance from the class consisting of chlorates, perchlorates, mixtures of chlorates and perchlorates, nitrates, bromates, and bichromates, an oxygen release catalyst from the class consisting of manganese dioxide, calcium plumbate, antimony trisulfide, lead dioxide, and copper chromite, a low burning velocity agent from the class consisting of acrylic resins, a binder consisting of polyoxymethylene, an activator from the class consisting of ammonium dichromate, finely divided silica, and inorganic carbonates, a reducing agent from the class consisting of powdered carbon, polysaccharides, and benzoates, and a quenching agent from the class consisting of ammonium salts of organic acids.

4. A method for producing a re-ignitable match which comprises providing a powdered oxygen release substance, from the class consisting of chlorates, perchlorates, mixtures of chlorates and perchlorates, nitrates, bromates, and bichromates, a powdered oxygen release catalyst from the class consisting of manganese dioxide, calcium plumbate, antimony trisulfide, lead dioxide, and copper chromite, a powdered agent having low burning velocity and binding characteristics from the class consisting of acrylic resins, a powdered activator from the class consisting of ammonium dichromate, finely divided silica and inorganic carbonates, providing a powdered reducing agent from the class consisting of powdered carbon, polysaccharides, and benzoates, providing a powdered quenching agent from the class consisting of ammonium salts of organic agents from the class consisting of aliphatic ketones, straight chain and branched, and chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents and mixtures of the same, then discharging a liquid solvating agent onto the aforesaid powdered ingredients, then subjecting the solvating agent in treated powdered ingredients to agitation for effecting distribution of the solvating agent within the powdered mass for activating the binder particles, then effecting physical densification of the mass for development of a plastic mass, permitting the mass to set with evaporation of the solvating agent, and then forming the mass into desired shape.

5. A method for producing a re-ignitable match which comprises providing a powdered oxygen release substance from the class consisting of chlorates, perchlorates, mixtures of chlorates and perchlorates, nitrates, bromates, and bichromates, a powdered oxygen release catalyst from the class consisting of manganese dioxide, calcium plumbate, antimony trisulfide, lead dioxide, and copper chromite, a powdered agent having low burning velocity and binding characteristics from the class consisting of acrylic resins, a powdered binder consisting of poly-oxymethylene, a powdered activator from the class consisting of ammonium dichromate, a finely divided silica and inorganic carbonates, providing a powdered reducing agent from the class consisting of powdered carbon, polysaccharides, and benzoates, providing a powdered quenching agent from the class consisting of ammonium salts of organic agents, then discharging a liquid solvating agent from the class consisting of aliphatic ketones, straight chain and branched, and chlorinated hydrocarbon solvents and mixtures of the same onto the aforesaid powdered ingredients, then subjecting the solvating agent in treated powdered ingredients to agitation for effecting distribution of the solvating agent within the powdered mass for activating the binder particles, then effecting physical densification of the mass for development of a plastic mass, permitting the mass to set with evaporation of the solvating agent, and then forming the mass into desired shape.

References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,015,383 9/1935 Konig et a1 44-42 2,093,516 9/1937 Foldi et a1 44-42 2,193,124 3/1940 Doran l49-82 2,389,552 11/1945 Sanford 149-82 X 2,496,815 2/1950 Ringer 149-19 2,545,076 3/1951 Ellenbogen 149-7 2,568,285 9/ 1951 Knutsson-Hall 44-42 X CARL D. QUARFORTH, Primary Examiner. BENJAMIN R. PADGETT, Examiner. S. J. LECHERT, JR., Assistant Examiner, 

1. A RE-IGNITABLE MATCH CONSISTING ESSENTIALLY OF AN OXYGEN SUPPLYING SUBSTANCE FROM THE CLASS CONSISTING OF CHLORATES, PERCHLORATES, MIXTURES OF CHLORATES AND PERCHLORATES,NITRATES, BROMATES, AND BICHROMATES, AN OXYGEN RELEASE CATALYST FROM THE CLASS CONSISTING OF MANGANESE DIOXIDE, CALCIUM PLUMBATE,ANTIMONY TRISULFIDE, LEAD DIOXIDE, AND COPPER CHROMITE, AN AGENT HAVING LOW BURNING VELOCITY AND BINDING CHARACTERISTICS FROM THE CLASS CONSISTING OF ACRYLIC RESINS, AN ACTIVATOR FROM THE CLASS CONSISTING OF AMMONIUM DICHROMATE, FINELY DIVIDED SILICA, AND INORGANIC CARBONATES, A REDUCING AGENT FROM THE CLASS CONSISTING OF POWDERED CARBON, POLYSACCHARIDES, AND BENZOATES, AND A QUENCHING AGENT FROM THE CLASS CONSISTING OF AMMONIUM SALTS OF ORGANIC ACIDS. 